We have reason to celebrate this Sunday morning because it has been announced that the EPA has stricken the ill-advised, poorly worded, and altogether draconian language that they had proposed to add to the clear air act that would have effectively made it illegal to convert a street car into a race car as well as providing the EPA the means to strangle the entire high performance aftermarket industry. It was enough to get us to fist pump in public when we saw the announcement that the language was to be taken out.
This is spectacular news and proof that the people at SEMA have been working 24/7 since this story began to halt this stuff in its tracks. That’s the great news. The good news? The fight is not over yet. We cannot take our collective foot off the pedal until the RPM Act is passed and signed into law. Why? The RPM Act prevents this type of situation from happening again. It will provide protections for the industry, the motorsports that we love, and the things that we all love to do with our cars. Without it, we could be staring down the barrel of this gun again in the not too distant future and no one wants that!
Thanks to SEMA, thanks to everyone who wrote and supported their efforts, and thanks to Chief Deputy Whip Patrick McHenry (R, North Carolina) for introducing the RPM Act. Together we got all this stuff stopped by creating a voice so loud and strong that it could not be ignored. Now it is time we keep that enthusiasm up not because we are on the DEFENSIVE but because we are now on the OFFENSIVE!
McHenry Bill Forces EPA to Drop Racing Regulation
Congressman introduced RPM Act to block needless regulation |
| Washington – Chief Deputy Whip Patrick McHenry (R, NC-10), who introduced the RPM Act to combat EPA overreach into amateur racing, released the following statement after the EPA withdrew its proposed regulation of amateur racers:
“The EPA’s attempt to regulate amateur racers is misguided and unnecessary. Not only is racing a beloved pastime for countless Americans, it also employs millions including many here in western North Carolina. While it’s positive to see the EPA react to my legislation, the need for Congressional action on the RPM Act remains. Passing the RPM Act into law is the only way to ensure this ill-advised, job-killing regulation is stopped for good.”
BACKGROUND:
On March 8th Congressman McHenry joined with Congressman Richard Hudson (R, NC-08) to introduce H.R. 4715 the Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports Act of 2016 or “RPM Act” which blocks attempts by the EPA to regulate modified motor vehicles used for racing. On March 15th, Congressman McHenry joined a hearing of the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology to discuss the need for the RPM Act. Video of his testimony can be found here. Coverage of the RPM Act’s introduction can be found below:
The Charlotte Observer – March 9, ‘Proposed EPA car-engine rule upsets NASCAR-country congressman
Four North Carolina lawmakers in Congress want federal officials to hit the brakes on an anti-pollution regulatory effort that some fear would prevent amateur race-car drivers from modifying motor vehicles’ engines. READ MORE
Washington Examiner – March 8, ‘New bill would kick EPA out of America’s racetracks
A small group of House lawmakers has introduced legislation that would prevent the Environmental Protection Agency from writing rules to regulate race cars, a move the agency threatened last week. READ MORE
WLOS News 13 – March 9, ‘Proposed bill could protect race cars from EPA regulation
North Carolina congressman Patrick McHenry has proposed a bill that, if passed, could redefine the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s emissions control regulation rules for cars used primarily on race tracks. READ MORE
Lincoln Times-News – March 14, ‘McHenry drafts legislation against EPA motorsports regulation
Two North Carolina congressmen introduced legislation on Monday that would block the Environmental Protection Agency’s ability to regulate modified motor vehicles. READ MORE |
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Everyone should consider the nature of the beast that is being faced here. Car enthusiasts have secured a “delay” with this about face on “wording”, and not much more. I’m sure this was met with a shrug in the halls of the EPA. The staggering volume of documentation the EPA uses to regulate industries is simply a platform where, at their discretion, they can insert new wording and rules that affect industry and hobbyists. This was a shot across the bow by the EPA, in a manner of speaking. I have the sickening feeling that a massive insatiable bureaucratic satan has been roused into action, and that its focus will now be on a one percent segment of motorists and the companies that support them, who actually benefit the economy, employ families, support charities, and contribute millions if not hundreds of millions of dollars to the tax base. The other side of this is that car enthusiasts are notoriously disorganized. We should emulate the NRA in its organizational model. They are brilliant in their strategies and defence of their interests. Car enthusiasts are often a squabbling rabble, with educationally stunted members who criticize others over the brand of vehicle they drive or the fact they disagree with a modification. We may be our own worst enemy. Could hobbyists ever get their collective s**t together to form a unified voice against entities like the EPA? SEMA/SAN is our saviour for now, but they need a tsunami of support from all car people. Apologies for bringing this last point into the discussion, but the political “left”, (of which the EPA is securely under the influence), knows that organization is THE key to accomplishing their goals. If we want the continued freedom to work on and modify our cars, with the condition that we meet or better yet, improve emissions outputs, then we need to get off of our complacent asses and get organized NOW. Think of what you personally can do to accomplish this today. Call you friends, car clubs, congress reps, and take action. Do it now or kiss it all goodbye.
I completely agree with you Gavin, we as a hobby need to get our shit together and collectively as one big organization put all of our differences aside so we can keep our hobby as we know it. I happen to be a NRA member myself and I am grateful that SEMA is looking out for our interests as well. November 2016 elections will determine if we as a nation enjoy the freedoms that we have or people will vote to receive “free shit” off of the backs of the hardworking people of this nation.
I also happen to be a retired US Navy veteran 1991 – 2011.
Getting the wording right on legislation in general is paramount to preventing legal abuse. I\’m happy to see the it was retracted.
You out there, yeh you, you need to pick up what Gavin’s putting down. The EPA will resist in backing down, for a start they don’t want to appear ignorant. We had a similar situation in New Zealand circa early 1990’s where our powers that be wanted to make ANY MODIFICATION TO YOUR VEHICLE ILLEGAL. They had their reasons, and good ones, as examples of British poo boxes being repowered with BBC’s and with (sub) standard brakes, steering etc, started killing people. New Zealand’s car culture got together (New Zealand Hot Rod Association, and smaller groups) and proposed a self-regulatory structure. The associations presented a legality structure that was hashed out between the Automotive Associations and the Government untill the Powers That Be realized these associations actually knew more about vehicle legislation and best practices than themselves and the ‘self regulatory’ concept relieved them form any new responsibilities. It was a WIN, WIN. This formed our ‘LVVTA’ or the ‘Low Volume Vehicle Technical Association’ have set standards on modifications and regularly review new ones, then recommend policies far for everyone, They also publish the ‘Code Of Construction’ manual to assist on information pertaining to any modifications you wish to carry out. Now, in New Zealand, when a vehicle is modified, it is inspected, (for a small fee to keep the system going) and when passed, it receives a ‘certification plate’ attached to the body confirming it adheres to the agreed codes, This ‘cert plate’ also helps no end when pulled over for ‘suspicious modifications’ or by the cops opinion, ‘your cars too low/loud/etc’ just show him the plate and on you go.
I feel this may be a course to consider. You are fighting the Government remember, not the local pep boys counter assistant.
If anyone’s interested on how the system works, (and benefits all of the vehicle culture and safety in New Zealand) Just have a quick squizz at ‘ http://www.lvvta.org.nz ‘ because before this was though of, the Government wanted to BAN ALL MODIFICATIONS, relating to everything, even emissions.
Here is the link to contact your congressman about the RPM Act. I have already done this and received many positive responses back, it only takes a few moments, but worth everything to our hobby/sport!
https://www.votervoice.net/mobile/SEMA/Campaigns/45394/Respond?vvsn=BAAAAAVoACSFLAypohO7BBA